Molecular model for de Vries type smectic-A-smectic-C phase transition in liquid crystals

M.V. Gorkunov, M.A. Osipov, F. Giesselmann, T.J. Sluckin, J.P.F. Lagerwall

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43 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

We develop both phenomenological and molecular-statistical theory of smectic-A-smectic-C phase transition with anomalously weak smectic layer contraction. Using a general mean-field molecular model, we demonstrate that a relatively simple interaction potential suffices to describe the transition both in conventional and de Vries type smectics. The theoretical results are in excellent agreement with experimental data. The approach can be used to describe tilting transitions in other soft matter systems.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages5
JournalPhysical Review E: Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics
Volume75
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Jun 2007

Keywords

  • smectic-A
  • smectic-C
  • soft matter
  • molecular theory
  • smectic layer
  • de Vries
  • mean-field molecular model

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